EVolocity launches an eight-week, firsthand engineering experience designed to build confidence and long-term pathways in STEM for young women.
EVolocity is proud to introduce its Solar Innovators Programme, a pioneering pilot initiative under its Young Wāhine in STEM (YWIS) strategy. Launched on 27 March 2026 at the University of Canterbury’s Faculty of Engineering – Te Kaupeka Pūhanga, the programme offers young women an intensive eight-week experience designed to build confidence, capability, and lasting engagement in STEM.
Delivery takes place in partnership with the University of Canterbury’s Faculty of Engineering, whose facilities, academic expertise, and mentorship connect students to real-world engineering pathways. The solar power kits used in the pilot have been made possible through the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation, a national sponsor of EVolocity’s motor kits programme.
The Solar Innovators Programme complements EVolocity’s flagship electric vehicle design-and-build challenge. Pilot participants will be encouraged to progress into full electric vehicle builds. Young wāhine taking part in the pilot represent five Canterbury schools: Burnside High School, Haeata Community Campus, Hurunui College, Middleton Grange, and Te Pā o Rākaihautū School.
Hands-On Engineering with Real-World Impact
Participants will design and engineer their own solar-powered remote-control vehicles, gaining practical skills across 3D printing, CAD technology, soldering, electronics assembly, and iterative design. Each student will take part in at least three on-site sessions at the University, covering technical foundations, a mid-programme workshop and troubleshooting session, and a Race Festival where students put their solar-powered vehicles to the test. On-site sessions are supported by regular online check-ins and mentoring from EVolocity’s technical experts throughout the build process.
“This pilot is more than a build project, it’s a deliberate strategy to create belonging, confidence, and pathways for young wāhine into engineering and technology,” says Jason Maraku, Chief Executive of EVolocity.
Built on Strong Partnerships
The programme is made possible through the generous support of Orion, the electricity distributor for Central Waitaha Canterbury. As EVolocity’s founding sponsor and regional partner for Canterbury, Orion is helping grow the next generation of innovators and build the skills Aotearoa needs for a positive future.
“At Orion, our purpose of powering a cleaner and brighter future with our community means opening doors for the next generation. Our partnerships with the University of Canterbury’s Rainbow Engineering and Women in Engineering societies reflect our commitment to inclusion. Fields such as engineering and energy benefit from a diverse workforce, which is why we’re proud to support EVolocity’s new Solar Innovators Programme, inspiring young wāhine to explore STEM at secondary school,” says Sheralee MacDonald, Innovation Facilitator at Orion.
Haeata Community Campus student enjoying a learning moment during the Young Wahine in STEM Solar Innovators Programme pilot launch at the University of Canterbury on Friday, 27th March 2026.
